Copper Market Balance: A Look at 2026 Deficit Forecasts

For years, analysts modeling the global copper market were comforted by a reliable buffer of surplus supply. But as our latest data visualization reveals, that cushion has violently evaporated. The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) has officially abandoned its projected surplus for 2025 to officially forecast a 150,000-metric-ton deficit for 2026—the market's first structural shortage since 2009. Wall Street is bracing for an even harsher reality.

March 25, 2026

1 min

The World’s Largest Operating Copper Mines vs. Reko Diq

As global demand for copper surges—driven by electrification and the energy transition—attention turns to the world’s largest copper mines and the projects poised to reshape future supply.

April 3, 2025

2 min

Energy Transition Expected to Fuel Surging Demand for Critical Minerals

As the global push toward clean energy gains momentum, demand for certain minerals and metals is projected to increase significantly by 2040.

March 20, 2025

2 min

The Case for Mining Copper Within the EU

In this article, we take a closer look at where the European Union (EU) sources its copper concentrate.

January 30, 2025

3 min

Copper Production in Africa, 1914-2023

Copper production in Africa has played a pivotal role in shaping the continent's economic and industrial landscape.

January 23, 2025

2 min

Copper Mines: Average Time from Discovery to Production is 17.9 Years

A recent S&P Global report reveals that the average time for copper mines to transition from discovery to production has lengthened significantly.

December 19, 2024

2 min

Copper Mines by Capacity

In 2024, the world’s largest copper mines by annual production capacity are spread across various continents, with Latin America leading the charge.

December 16, 2024

2 min

Large Copper M&A Deals 2013-2024

The copper mining industry has experienced a significant surge in mergers and acquisitions over the past decade, driven by the growing global demand for copper.

December 13, 2024

2 min

Rising Costs of Mining Copper

This graphic illustrates how copper production costs have evolved for major companies from 2019 to 2023.

December 11, 2024

2 min

The Ongoing Decline in New Major Copper Discoveries

Over the past three decades, the size and frequency of new copper discoveries have steadily declined.

December 4, 2024

2 min

Copper Demand Set to Soar 70% by 2050: Can Supply Keep Up?

Copper demand is set to surge in the coming decades.

November 27, 2024

2 min

Decline in Large Copper Discoveries and the Rise of M&A Transactions: A Shift in Industry Dynamics

Over the past three decades, the copper mining industry has experienced a significant shift in its approach to resource development and acquisition.

November 19, 2024

3 min

BHP Projects 70% Rise in Copper Demand by 2050: Electrification and Tech Revolution Lead the Way

In this article, we take a closer look at BHP’s latest report, BHP Insights: How Copper Will Shape Our Future, which projects a 70% surge in copper demand by 2050—an increase of 22.1 Mt from 2021 levels.

October 31, 2024

3 min